Taxol Rash!! |
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Cathy Leigh 
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Joined: Mar 03 2010 Location: Chattanooga, TN Status: Offline Points: 72 |
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 Posted: Jul 05 2010 at 7:55am |
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Hi Donna, I haven't posted for a while, but just finished 4 rounds, every 3 weeks of A/C. Now I will take 4 rounds of taxol, 3 weeks apart. I have been reading in the internet some prety scary things about the side effects of Taxol, neuropathy, severe pain in legs and shoulders severe nausea and diarrhea, some with long lasting effects even after the chemo is finished,
Could you please give me some hope abbout this drug, I am so scared I am considering not taking it at all.
I know each of us will have a different effect, but it sure sounds grim.
Thanks so much
Cathy |
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61 years old at dx 12/1/09
Left Mastectomy 2/4/10, 2 sentinel nodes negative and margins around tumor negative Clean PET/CT scan on 3/2/10 ac/taxol began 4/2011-Finished 9/10. CT Scan 8/11 NED |
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trip2
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Joined: Jun 03 2007 Location: Under Palm Tree Status: Offline Points: 8549 |
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Posted: Jul 05 2010 at 10:01am |
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Cathy,
We will all respond with our particular body so don't let internet reading frighten you. I did have bad leg pain with Taxol but my daughter only had mild discomfort and continued to work thru her treatments. Many women say they find the Adriamycin to be the worse of the two.
Let us know how you are doing,
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Stage 2 2003
Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
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zoomommy2
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Joined: Sep 26 2009 Location: Denver, CO Status: Offline Points: 1356 |
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Posted: Jul 05 2010 at 12:26pm |
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Cathy, don't skip the Taxol because of what some women have had as side effects. I had no problems with Taxol. I could eat again while on it and food tasted good. If I hadn't been having gall bladder problems at the same time, it would have been a walk in the park. The gall bladder problems had nothing to do with the Taxol. The stones had been there a long time. Adriamycin and Cytoxan was worse than Taxol, but it was a shorter time on that. Praying for your good health.
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dx6/09,stageII,gr3,(L)mastectomy 7/09,ACx4,Taxolx7,Avastin study,gall bladder surgery 1/10,4/11 Stage 4, mets to lung, 4/11 Started Taxotere and Xeloda, 5/11 Taxotere stopped, off Xeloda
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123Donna
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Joined: Aug 24 2009 Location: St. Louis, MO Status: Offline Points: 13510 |
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Posted: Jul 05 2010 at 1:29pm |
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Cathy,
Please do the Taxol. My onc told me the taxanes were good for tnbc. I had taxotere and the side effects weren't too bad. I just have a little neuropathy in my left fingers, but it's getting better over time. I found B6 to help. If you read the side effects for any drug it's really scary, even Tylenol. However you may have no side effects or just a couple. Please talk to your onc about your concerns. Wishing you the best, Donna |
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DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09)
11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15 |
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tnbcsucks
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Joined: Jun 02 2010 Location: Michigan Status: Offline Points: 76 |
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Posted: Jul 06 2010 at 9:01am |
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Twin sister:
Hi, I'm responding a little late but....Once my hair started coming out in clumps, I had my husband shave it. I just couldn't stand it falling out everywhere. That was after my second treatment of A/C. I wear the wig when I go out and then either a hat/scarf or go bald around the house. It works for me.
My treatments have been going pretty good I think. I do get the neulasta shot the day after my A/C treatment along with the fluids they give me to help with nausea. I haven't had any problems so far with low wbc...but hold your breath on that one as I'm getting my labs done hear in about a half hour, so cross your fingers that I'm good to go with the 3rd treatment today.
How are you doing?
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TNBC DX April, 2010,Lumpectomy May 3.5cm with clear nodes,Stage 2, Grade III Started Chemo on June 7: 4 A/C every other week and then 12 weeks of Taxol. followed by 6 weeks of radiation.
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Debris
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Joined: Jun 07 2010 Location: Forsyth,Georgia Status: Offline Points: 756 |
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Posted: Jul 06 2010 at 12:23pm |
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Oh dear - I twisted my ankle on Sunday evening (tore two ligaments in foot...), so now I'm trying to get about in a wheelchair (have to keep weight off foot for 2 or 3 days) - but with hubby's help, am doing far better than coping with crutches! Only hope this does not do anything to the WBC for Thursday.
Thanks for the encouragement, Zoomommy2! Will let you know how it goes.
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4/12 Xeloda/Tykerb
2 Carboplatin 12/11 Dx IA 9 Gemzar/Taxotere Dx IBC:FEC 5 Ixempra/Sprycel 2 25 Rad 10/10 BRCA1-/2suv 9 NED 6 Stg4 Grd3 many nodes no Sx/Rad. Taxol/Avastin 06/08 Dx DCIS 0/SN Rads/AIs |
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zoomommy2
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Joined: Sep 26 2009 Location: Denver, CO Status: Offline Points: 1356 |
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Posted: Jul 06 2010 at 12:55pm |
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Oh no! I hope that ankle feels better quickly and isn't too painful to walk on while healing. Hopefully, that kind of injury doesn't affect your counts for Thursday. Are you getting the Taxol with the Avastin or at different times? Avastin is good for cutting off the blood supply to tumors. Praying that Thursday is a good day for you.
Lee in Denver
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dx6/09,stageII,gr3,(L)mastectomy 7/09,ACx4,Taxolx7,Avastin study,gall bladder surgery 1/10,4/11 Stage 4, mets to lung, 4/11 Started Taxotere and Xeloda, 5/11 Taxotere stopped, off Xeloda
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Debris
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Joined: Jun 07 2010 Location: Forsyth,Georgia Status: Offline Points: 756 |
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Posted: Jul 06 2010 at 1:05pm |
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I'm supposed to have Taxol + Avastin every 1st and 3rd weeks, and "only Taxol" on the 2nd week. (The 4th week I have off, then start over again.) But so far I've only had one Taxol + Avastin the 1st week of Tx, and one "only Taxol", the 3rd week's Tx being postponed for the low WBC. So hopefully this Thursday I'll have the double dose again. (Who knew I'd be anxious to have a double dose of chemo...!)
Best regards,
Deborah.
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4/12 Xeloda/Tykerb
2 Carboplatin 12/11 Dx IA 9 Gemzar/Taxotere Dx IBC:FEC 5 Ixempra/Sprycel 2 25 Rad 10/10 BRCA1-/2suv 9 NED 6 Stg4 Grd3 many nodes no Sx/Rad. Taxol/Avastin 06/08 Dx DCIS 0/SN Rads/AIs |
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zoomommy2
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Joined: Sep 26 2009 Location: Denver, CO Status: Offline Points: 1356 |
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Posted: Jul 06 2010 at 2:18pm |
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Deborah, I was sure anxious to get everything I could get! I wanted to kill those little buggers! In the beginning I got AC plus Avastin, then Taxol plus Avastin, all according to the study protocol on Avastin. Some people consider chemo as a poison, but I looked at it as a healing balm! I figured that the harder it was on my body, the more of those little buggers were being killed! Praying that you are fine on Thursday and that ankle is better by then, too.
Lee in Denver
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dx6/09,stageII,gr3,(L)mastectomy 7/09,ACx4,Taxolx7,Avastin study,gall bladder surgery 1/10,4/11 Stage 4, mets to lung, 4/11 Started Taxotere and Xeloda, 5/11 Taxotere stopped, off Xeloda
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Debris
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Joined: Jun 07 2010 Location: Forsyth,Georgia Status: Offline Points: 756 |
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Posted: Jul 06 2010 at 4:05pm |
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Hi Lee, Interestingly, that's exactly how I feel, about killing the cancer. As the chemo drips into my port, I think about the cancer being starved of blood, and shriveling away. I too feel that if the "good" cells in my body are having a hard time, then hopefully the targeted "bad" cells are having it even harder.
I'm just glad they have something to give us - and something to help with the side effects.
And I agree with you, about the hair falling out everywhere. It is such a mess. Today I wore a "cute pink" baseball cap to work - it looks so much better than the skimpy strands that are left on my head. Thursday I'm seeing my hairdresser, to have the rest shaved off (one thing hubby doesn't want to do), and to get my wig styled (I hope). I am frequently in meetings at the office, where I'm the only female present, and though it might be vain, I just can't sit through them with a bald head.
So, onwards and upwards!
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4/12 Xeloda/Tykerb
2 Carboplatin 12/11 Dx IA 9 Gemzar/Taxotere Dx IBC:FEC 5 Ixempra/Sprycel 2 25 Rad 10/10 BRCA1-/2suv 9 NED 6 Stg4 Grd3 many nodes no Sx/Rad. Taxol/Avastin 06/08 Dx DCIS 0/SN Rads/AIs |
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zoomommy2
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Joined: Sep 26 2009 Location: Denver, CO Status: Offline Points: 1356 |
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Posted: Jul 06 2010 at 4:11pm |
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Deborah, I was never brave enough to appear in public bald, but some do. I'm a brunette so the change was sort of dramatic. Oh, well, it's coming back in the same brunette with a little more gray at the temples. My hair dresser cut my hair shorter first and then shaved it. My husband didn't want to do it either. We had a short cry in the beauty shop and that was that. Here's to a great Thursday!
Lee in Denver
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dx6/09,stageII,gr3,(L)mastectomy 7/09,ACx4,Taxolx7,Avastin study,gall bladder surgery 1/10,4/11 Stage 4, mets to lung, 4/11 Started Taxotere and Xeloda, 5/11 Taxotere stopped, off Xeloda
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Twin Sister
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Joined: Jun 21 2010 Location: Gulf Coast AL Status: Offline Points: 81 |
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Posted: Jul 06 2010 at 7:10pm |
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Dear TNBC Sucks - so perfectly named. Tomorrow I go for CBC to see if my wbc is ok for 2nd chemo on Thursday morning. I AM going to ask about the shot. Can't understand why they didn't offer it the second time my count was low. How many days are you "out of it" after a chemo? I was blown away for 11 days. Makes me really worry about work, having already used up all paid leave. Oh well, I keep telling myself that if God brings me to it, He will bring me through it. Thanks for writing back. Bless you. Hope all goes well.
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DX4/10IDCSt2Gr3BRCA-Lump4/30/10, port,A/Cx46/14/10;wklyTaxol8/10ended 11/10/10.Rads35xbegin 11/10. LumpRBreastB9
2/2011,MammoOK 8/11 PET-metsIntlMamryChain12/11Xeloda,IMRT8wks;5/12 Mets,Stage4 |
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Twin Sister
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Joined: Jun 21 2010 Location: Gulf Coast AL Status: Offline Points: 81 |
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Posted: Jul 06 2010 at 7:11pm |
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TNBS Sucks - P.S. and this hair thing... how come my head is bald and this stupid hair in my chin is tough as nails?
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DX4/10IDCSt2Gr3BRCA-Lump4/30/10, port,A/Cx46/14/10;wklyTaxol8/10ended 11/10/10.Rads35xbegin 11/10. LumpRBreastB9
2/2011,MammoOK 8/11 PET-metsIntlMamryChain12/11Xeloda,IMRT8wks;5/12 Mets,Stage4 |
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tnbcsucks
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Joined: Jun 02 2010 Location: Michigan Status: Offline Points: 76 |
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Posted: Jul 07 2010 at 9:28am |
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Hi Twin sister, I am not out that long at all. I did the A/C yesterday and drove myself home, I don't have my husband go anymore as I feel fine to drive. I usually take a nap, I just move a little slower. I get up the next day, today and go to work for a few hours till I get my fluid and neulasta shot. Then I usually get a headache that nite that last for 24-36 hours. So I'm down for the next 48 hours and then back up and at it....a little slower for a few more days, but have a good week inbetween. I also have watery eyes from the tx....they gave me some drops for it yesterday, let hope they work!
And yea I hear you on the work stuff....I used all my sick time for the surgery and appts. so now my checks are a little smaller...but were making it thru for now.
No chin hair here...but I heard somewhere the facial hair sticks around a little longer as not everyone will lose their eyebrows and lashes. Good luck! I'm thinking about you!
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TNBC DX April, 2010,Lumpectomy May 3.5cm with clear nodes,Stage 2, Grade III Started Chemo on June 7: 4 A/C every other week and then 12 weeks of Taxol. followed by 6 weeks of radiation.
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trip2
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Joined: Jun 03 2007 Location: Under Palm Tree Status: Offline Points: 8549 |
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Posted: Jul 08 2010 at 12:31pm |
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Hi Deborah,
I'm thinking about you today and hope that ankle is doing better. Sounds painful!
Let us know what your tests reveal,
Best wishes
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Stage 2 2003
Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
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trip2
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Joined: Jun 03 2007 Location: Under Palm Tree Status: Offline Points: 8549 |
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Posted: Jul 08 2010 at 12:33pm |
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Here are a couple of links I found for the working woman and chemo. I know of another but have to find it. It may already be in the TNBC News/Resource section.
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Stage 2 2003
Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
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Twin Sister
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Joined: Jun 21 2010 Location: Gulf Coast AL Status: Offline Points: 81 |
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Posted: Jul 08 2010 at 8:41pm |
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TNBC Sucks, got my chemo today and feel almost human. Got a new med for nausea with the Emend that doiesn't make me sleep all day. ALSO, asked about shots. No to Neulasta (as if it were a sin) but yes to Neupogan (sp?) daily for 7 days since my wbc were very low for so long. Also, asked the chemo nurse if she knew of anyone in treatment there with TNBC and she did not. Have also asked the Cancer Society. We are rare birds. Thanks for the good advice about the shots. This time is bound to be better. Hope you are well.
Michele
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DX4/10IDCSt2Gr3BRCA-Lump4/30/10, port,A/Cx46/14/10;wklyTaxol8/10ended 11/10/10.Rads35xbegin 11/10. LumpRBreastB9
2/2011,MammoOK 8/11 PET-metsIntlMamryChain12/11Xeloda,IMRT8wks;5/12 Mets,Stage4 |
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zoomommy2
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Joined: Sep 26 2009 Location: Denver, CO Status: Offline Points: 1356 |
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Posted: Jul 08 2010 at 8:59pm |
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Yes, we are rare birds, Michele, but just makes us more special! My onc doesn't use Neulasta, but uses Neupogen. Why, I have no idea. I'm glad to hear that today went better.
Lee in Denver
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dx6/09,stageII,gr3,(L)mastectomy 7/09,ACx4,Taxolx7,Avastin study,gall bladder surgery 1/10,4/11 Stage 4, mets to lung, 4/11 Started Taxotere and Xeloda, 5/11 Taxotere stopped, off Xeloda
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Debris
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Joined: Jun 07 2010 Location: Forsyth,Georgia Status: Offline Points: 756 |
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Posted: Jul 08 2010 at 9:25pm |
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Hello all,
Well, WBC down again today. So, they have changed my chemo schedule from weekly for 3 weeks and 1 week off, to every other week, both Taxol and Avastin. But they did give me 1/2 dose of Avastin today, no Taxol. I go back next week, to start the 1st day of cycle 2. Hmmm, I'm going to have to re-do my calendar now, to keep up with this change.
When I asked about the Neulasta, etc., I was told that Neulasta had to be given a specific number of days apart, and the weekly schedule did not allow for that, so thus the change. They gave me Neuprogen today, and four more to do myself. Then from next week I get the Neulasta. Not looking forward to the side effects, but better that, than no treatment!
I believe I read that Claritin helps with the Neulasta-induced pain? Also I read somewhere on this Forum something about warming the syringe beforehand - but can't remember if it was the Neulasta shot?
As for the ankle, thanks for the good wishes! It is taking time to heal, which is sooo inconvenient. But hubby is doing an excellent job of getting me around.
Had the rest of what was left of my hair shaved off this evening - and got my new wig. Hubby likes it, I have to get used to the new look. But it feels quite comfortable, and I'll be so happy not to wake up to a hairy pillow every day.
BTW, I got copies of my Scan & MRI disks today - can't make heads or tails of what I'm looking at! Wish I had a radiologist (or whoever) to explain what the images mean...
So all in all, quite a busy day.
I really appreciate this Forum, and all the folks who contribue to it. Just wish I could remember what I saw where!
God Bless us, everyone.
Peace,
Deborah.
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4/12 Xeloda/Tykerb
2 Carboplatin 12/11 Dx IA 9 Gemzar/Taxotere Dx IBC:FEC 5 Ixempra/Sprycel 2 25 Rad 10/10 BRCA1-/2suv 9 NED 6 Stg4 Grd3 many nodes no Sx/Rad. Taxol/Avastin 06/08 Dx DCIS 0/SN Rads/AIs |
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zoomommy2
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Joined: Sep 26 2009 Location: Denver, CO Status: Offline Points: 1356 |
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Posted: Jul 08 2010 at 9:33pm |
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Deborah,
I was told to warm up my Neupogen syringes a bit and it didn't hurt as much. I only had to take the shots when I was on AC and Avastin. Taxol didn't seem to knock my counts down nearly as much. Wish I had known about the Claritin thing for the achy pain. It went away before the next chemo would come around. Glad you like your wig! Chemo may make your ankle slower to heal, but who knows for sure! Everytime I would print out my schedule for a good amount of time, it changed! Sleep well tonight.
Lee in Denver
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dx6/09,stageII,gr3,(L)mastectomy 7/09,ACx4,Taxolx7,Avastin study,gall bladder surgery 1/10,4/11 Stage 4, mets to lung, 4/11 Started Taxotere and Xeloda, 5/11 Taxotere stopped, off Xeloda
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